Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1 – From Cultural Roots To Oscar 2026 Contention

The divine roar of the forest has reached the global stage. Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1, the monumental prequel to the 2022 cult hit, has officially entered the Best Picture contending race at the 2026 Oscars (Academy Awards). Produced by Hombale Films and led by the visionary Rishab Shetty, the film continues its journey of Rooted in culture, driven by divinity, bridging the gap between ancient folklore and international prestige.

Moving away from the timeline of the first film, Chapter-1 serves as a prequel that explores the historical and mythological genesis of the legend. It delves deeper into the Daiva culture and the sacred relationship between man and nature in coastal Karnataka. By setting the story in an earlier era, the film provides a grander scale and a more intense look at the spiritual heritage that captivated audiences worldwide.

Rooted in our culture, driven by divinity.
Proud and privileged as #KantaraChapter1 enters the Best Picture contending race at the #Oscars Academy Awards 2026.#KantaraForOscars#Kantara @hombalefilms @KantaraFilm @shetty_rishab @VKiragandur @ChaluveG @rukminitweets… pic.twitter.com/xSCsH28Qjr

— Hombale Films (@hombalefilms) January 9, 2026

Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1 has officially rewritten the record books for Kannada cinema, cementing its place as a global phenomenon. Proving once again that deeply rooted, culturally authentic stories possess a universal appeal, the film's financial trajectory has been nothing short of extraordinary. Produced on a substantial budget of approximately ₹125 crore, the prequel has far exceeded all commercial expectations, demonstrating the immense power of the Kantara franchise and the vision of Rishab Shetty.

On the global stage, the film has achieved a monumental milestone, crossing the ₹852.36 crore mark in worldwide gross collections. This massive international footprint is supported by a dominant performance at the domestic box office, where the film amassed a staggering ₹622.48 crore net in India. With a total Return on Investment (ROI) of approximately 400%, the film has officially been declared an All Time Blockbuster, yielding significant profits for Hombale Films and its distributors.

One of the most remarkable aspects of its theatrical run is its unprecedented pan-India success.In a rare feat for regional cinema, the Hindi-dubbed version of the film outperformed the original Kannada version, collecting ₹223.79 crore net compared to the ₹200.02 crore earned in its home state. This highlights the film's massive pull in the North Indian markets and its ability to resonate with diverse audiences across the country, transcending language barriers to become a true national tent-pole.

This marks a significant moment for Indian regional cinema. Following its strong opening (collecting ₹75 crore in its first weekend) and an exceptionally long theatrical run, the film's transition from a box office titan to an Academy Award contender highlights its artistic depth.The film's sustained momentum and critical acclaim have now propelled it onto the global awards circuit. Combining high-octane storytelling with spiritual depth, the film stands as a benchmark for how regional Indian stories can dominate both the commercial box office and the international stage.